We stay grounded while championing sustainability. Airlines have signaled their intent to cut emissions to net zero, yet they still seek greater government backing to reach those targets. Europe’s mandate to blend at least 2% biofuel or synthetic fuel (SAF) from 2025 remains a point of contention, with the Canary Islands receiving an exemption from this policy. Representatives from Air Europa, Iberia, Ryanair, and Binter spoke at the event Canary Islands Opportunities and Challenges of the Energy Transition, organized by Repsol and Apd in Gran Canaria’s capital. These voices outlined a shared willingness to pivot toward SAF, while emphasizing the current obstacles that keep costs high and adoption limited.
Speakers emphasized that SAF offers the most viable path to curbing aviation emissions, but they also stressed that its price is currently more than triple that of conventional fuels. The aim is clear: SAF can help lower the industry’s CO2 footprint, but expansion hinges on financial support as demand remains below 1% at present due to the elevated price point, according to Teresa Parejo, Iberia Sustainability Director. In this discussion, Parejo noted that without aid, achieving EU emission goals would be much more difficult.
José Antonio Salazar, Air Europa’s sustainability chief, warned that meeting EU emission targets would be challenging without assistance. Juan Ramsden, Binter’s general coordinator, supported SAF usage but pointed to its high cost, suggesting that fare increases could be an inevitable outcome. He asked what approach would be sustainable for travelers and airlines alike, acknowledging that higher costs may be passed on to passengers.
David Simón, Ryanair’s Director of Corporate Affairs, joined the dialogue to flag aviation taxes across Europe as a factor that can push non-EU routes to become more appealing. He indicated that policy choices should reflect the practical needs of businesses operating in the sector, implying a balance between environmental aims and competitive viability for routes outside the EU.
The discussion framed synthetic fuel production as a potential opportunity for both Spain and the Canary Islands. Parejo highlighted a study indicating SAF production could generate up to 270,000 jobs and contribute significant economic value, underscoring SAF’s strategic role for regional resilience and growth. This perspective aligns with broader efforts to diversify energy and industrial activity across the archipelago.
In a separate dialogue, the use of biofuels in land transport was also examined. Speakers linked the electrification of fleets with biofuel adoption, noting that transport operators view biofuels as advantageous but recognize the higher costs and the need for fleet renewal. José Agustín Espino, president of the Canary Islands Freight Forwarders Federation, remarked that while biofuels are promising, their economics require careful management and sustained policy support to unlock value across supply chains.
Overall, the event reflected a common stance among industry leaders: SAF holds promise for decarbonizing aviation, but commercial viability depends on a mix of policy backing, price stabilization, and scalable production. The Canary Islands see a strategic opportunity to align energy transition with regional development, leveraging SAF and related technologies to bolster employment, industrial activity, and long-term competitiveness. The dialogue stressed that progress will hinge on coordinated action between industry players and policymakers, ensuring a realistic pathway toward lower emissions without sacrificing service and connectivity. [source: event proceedings by Repsol and Apd; expert statements from Air Europa, Iberia, Ryanair, and Binter]